Windsor RCMP have made their fifth big illegal tobacco bust in the last four months.
Police arrested two people on Tuesday and seized 114 cartons of unstamped and untaxed cigarettes.
Sgt. Peter Koersvelt said that when you buy illegal cigarettes, you’re doing more than saving a few bucks — you’re underwriting organized crime.
“In our experience with our investigations, a lot of times the sale of these contraband products ties directly back to organized criminal groups,” said Koersvelt with Windsor RCMP. “So it’s financing criminal groups.”
In four major street busts over the past few months, Windsor RCMP seized 1,296 cartons and 1,182 baggies of loose, unwrapped cigarettes, for a total of more than 260,000 smokes.
That was more than triple the number of cartons and quadruple the number of baggies they seized in all of 2011.
With Tuesday’s bust the total has risen again. The 114 cartons account for about 23,000 cigarettes.
“It looks like they probably came from Brantford/Hamilton area,” said Koersvelt.
RCMP began investigating following a tip about suspected contraband tobacco sales. After a week long probe, the RCMP border response team executed a search warrant on College Avenue near Campbell Avenue.
While doing surveillance, police allegedly saw two people selling contraband smokes out of their vehicle. In addition to arresting them, police seized a 2001 Hyundai Tiburon and a small quantity of cash.
Officers later executed a search warrant at their home and seized 114 cartons of contraband tobacco.
In addition to funding criminal networks, Koersvelt said the illegal tobacco trade makes it difficult for legitimate business owners to operate. Since they aren’t regulated, he said there’s also a risk they are even more dangerous for you than legitimate smokes.
“Because they’re unregulated, I think common sense would tell us there is potentially quality control type of concerns,” said Koersvelt.
A 37-year-old man and 49-year-old woman, both from Windsor, each face charges of selling illicit cigarettes. They were released from custody until a scheduled May 28 court appearance. Police didn’t release their names.
The border response team continues to investigate. Anyone with information about illegal cigarette sales or other crimes can call the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
twilhelm@windsorstar.com
or 519-255-6850

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